501.BC Kashmir/10–2948: Telegram
The Secretary of State to the Acting Secretary of State
top secret us urgent
Paris, October 29, 1948—2 p. m.
Delga 531. For Satterthwaite and Mathews from Kopper.1
- 1.
- Secretary and Liaquat Ali Khan held one hour and half conversation yesterday. Zafrullah Khan also present. Numerous subjects covered. Liaquat spoke in most frank and open manner. Although he showed no trace bitterness he seemed to give impression that he thought United States was ignoring Middle Eastern (Moslem) area while giving much attention to West Europe.
- 2.
- After exchange pleasantries, Liaquat commenced conversation by saying he wished besides having opportunity to meet Secretary to discuss strategic position Pakistan in ME and world. He reviewed great difficulties Pakistan has encountered in becoming established, citing vast refugee problem, economic difficulties and relations with India particularly on Kashmir. He declared it unthinkable that Pakistan could fall prey to Communism since (1) latter was contrary to tenets Moslem religion in respect democratic ideals, property ownership and individual’s position; (2) states outside Communist orbit should fully know Communist ideology was oppressive in extreme. Pakistan was anxious to maintain stand against Communist infiltration. Liaquat then said frankly that since United States was strongest most powerful nation among free nations it should assist other nations to strengthen themselves. He referred to assistance United States was giving to Western Europe. While understanding necessity for ERP he believed United States should strengthen Middle Eastern area economically and militarily.
- 3.
- Turning to India-Pakistan relations Liaquat termed India’s attitude toward Pakistan as hostile. He said Kashmir question could be easily settled by plebiscite. However, there must be no coercive forces present during plebiscite. Pakistan had been struggling to obtain peaceful settlement but if India persisted in aggressive role Pakistan would fight in face aggression.
- 4.
- Secretary outlined genesis ERP explaining how West Europe has been commercial nerve center of world. It was dangerously close to collapse a year ago. With revival of European economy world would benefit. Secretary said United States resources were limited and we could not as a government undertake commitments beyond our abilities. Secretary explained in some detail role of Congress and its committees in granting aid and loans. Then said there was vast [Page 436] amount private capital in United states which was available if investors had reasonable assurances as to security of investment. Secretary also referred to Export-Import Bank.
- 5.
- Regarding Communism and USSR policy, Secretary pointed out that his concern was primarily directed at development and spread of police state. He was glad to know of Pakistan’s attitude regarding this matter. He said that one very important way by which states outside police state orbit could strengthen themselves would be to settle all of their major differences quickly and peacefully. In this connection he expressed hope Kashmir question would be settled in conformity with UN principles. He remarked that United States had not been able to ship arms to India or Pakistan while Kashmir question was point of friction. Secretary also said it was most important to obtain settlement Palestine question and concluded that we are vitally interested in stability of Near East and remaining portions of world. In saying this, Secretary emphasized necessity for all nations supporting UN which was only real hope for peace.
- 6.
- Liaquat said Pakistan was in a position vis-à-vis India where an arms embargo favored India and harmed Pakistan since India had all the ordnance factories and Pakistan had few supplies. He again repeated that he thought United States should do all it could to strengthen Near East area. He said he was in complete agreement that Palestine question had to be settled and he also agreed with Secretary that UN must have support of all the nations. Secretary pointed out to Liaquat that we are already helping Near Eastern area through our aid to Greece, Turkey and Iran. There was a limit to what we could do but we were deeply interested in the development of Near Eastern countries and we hoped that the time would come when projects presently in planning stage could become reality.
- 7.
- Liaquat seemed quite pleased with Secretary’s frank approach. Zafrullah Khan said after Secretary and Liaquat had departed that he thought meeting had gone quite well. Zafrullah then told me in strictest confidence that Pakistan is seriously considering bringing to ICJ the question of India’s action with respect to head waters of three rivers vital to the economy of the West Punjab. Pakistan has already commenced collecting the basic data after efforts to settle the question bilaterally were unsuccessful and India had rejected suggestion for arbitration.
Repeated London 1145; Department pass Karachi as 4.
Marshall
- Samuel K. C. Kopper, United Nations specialist in the Department of State.↩